BotW Armor of the Hero: 8-bit Link amiibo, Upgrades and Bonus

The Armor of the Hero is amiibo-exclusive armor: it cannot be found in the world and comes only from scanning the 8-bit Link amiibo. For the other amiibo sets and the scan rules see amiibo rewards; for every set see all armor.

How do you get the Armor of the Hero?

Scan the 8-bit Link amiibo with the Sheikah Slate’s amiibo. Items drop next to Link, and sometimes a rare chest appears that may hold the Cap of the Hero, the Tunic of the Hero or the Trousers of the Hero. It is random, so a scan does not guarantee a piece, and each figure can normally be scanned once a day — collecting all three usually takes several days.

A rare chest from the same figure can also hold the Sword instead of armor.

What does the Armor of the Hero set bonus do?

Master Sword Beam Up makes the Master Sword beam deal more damage — the same bonus as the Armor of the Wild. It needs all three pieces at two stars or higher; single pieces have no effect.

The game’s description of the Cap of the Hero: “According to legend, this cap was once treasured by an ancient hero. It’s quite the simple cap, yet there’s something about it that’s just so appealing…”

How much defense does each piece give?

All three are the same: 3 base, then 5, 8, 12 and 20 at four stars, 60 for the full set. The Armor of the Wild has the same set bonus with 4 to 28 defense.

What do you need to upgrade the Armor of the Hero?

Upgrades happen at a Great Fairy Fountain, one star at a time, and cost only materials. All three pieces need the same:

One piece to four stars takes 19 Rubies and 4 Star Fragments; the whole set takes 57 and 12. Star Fragments fall from the sky at night — head for the beam of light. Four stars needs enough Great Fairies unlocked; see armor upgrade materials and Great Fairy Fountains.

When should you wear the Armor of the Hero?

On numbers alone the Armor of the Hero, like the other amiibo hero sets, falls short of the Armor of the Wild. It suits players who already own the 8-bit Link amiibo, want the look and use the Master Sword beam a lot.